SOAP Journal 03-10-2008 (Psalm 42:11, 44:15-16)

Scripture:

Ps 42:11 Why are you depressed, O my soul? why are you upset? Wait for God! For I will again give thanks to my God for his saving intervention.


Ps 44:15-16 All day long I feel humiliated and am overwhelmed with shame, before the vindictive enemy who ridicules and insults me.

Observation:

The honesty of the psalmist speaks deeply (deep calls unto deep) to the Lord. Nothing is withheld; the emotional state is laid bare and remains unsolved. Platitudes won't work - God has not delivered (as promised)! Well, not on time and as the psalmist would like Him to.

Application:

Vindictive enemies - yeah I have a few of those - but also there's a state of being where I expect non-deliverance and fully long for a lack of faithfulness from God. This justifies my humiliation. What are you depressed o my soul? How long a list do you want? Would you like details or just the Cliff Notes? Nah, the states of the soul are what they are. And God is Who He is, strong and mighty to deliver. The correct question is "what are you trying to teach me?" Whatever it is, I haven't learned it well enough yet. Coffee tastes too good still.

Prayer:

Father I pray to be sick of my situation until I turn from my sin. Help me break the patterns that bind me and turn to You afresh. In Jesus' name.